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24/06/2004
Reid makes new NHS waiting list pledge
People who need an operation will wait no more than 18 weeks by 2008, Health Secretary John Reid has pledged today.
Announcing the government's new NHS improvement plan, the Health Secretary said that care would continue to be provided "according to need rather than ability to pay".
Dr Reid said that improvements to the NHS include: an average of 7.6% real terms growth in funding over the last four years; 67,500 more nurses and 19,000 more doctors; 68 new hospitals built, underway or planned; shorter waiting lists and waiting times; and a fall in deaths from cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Mr Reid said it was now time to renew the government's radical vision for the NHS, "offering to all our people equal access to, and the power to choose from, the widest possible range of services of the highest quality, based on clinical need and not ability to pay".
The NHS Improvement Plan sets out steps to shorten the patient journey from GP referral to treatment, ensuring an average wait of nine to 10 weeks by 2008 and a maximum wait of 18 weeks.
It will also give patients more information about and choice over their treatment. There will be a choice of four to five hospitals for patients needing to be admitted for elective care. By 2008 every patient referred by their GP will be able to choose to be treated at any facility in England that meets NHS standards and can provide care at the NHS price for the procedure they need, the Health Secretary said.
People with long-term conditions like diabetes, asthma and heart failure will get personalised care through plans to provide thousands of community matrons, roll out the Expert Patients Programme and ensure that the new contract for GPs delivers the best care for patients.
The Minister also said that the NHS needs to become more than just a "sickness service". A White Paper in the autumn will set out plans to tackle the major causes of ill health, like smoking, obesity and sexually transmitted infections.
He said the NHS Improvement Plan will "ensure that the greatest gift ever from the people of this country to the people of this country - our NHS - is able to meet the expectations of all our people in the 21st century".
(gmcg)
Announcing the government's new NHS improvement plan, the Health Secretary said that care would continue to be provided "according to need rather than ability to pay".
Dr Reid said that improvements to the NHS include: an average of 7.6% real terms growth in funding over the last four years; 67,500 more nurses and 19,000 more doctors; 68 new hospitals built, underway or planned; shorter waiting lists and waiting times; and a fall in deaths from cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Mr Reid said it was now time to renew the government's radical vision for the NHS, "offering to all our people equal access to, and the power to choose from, the widest possible range of services of the highest quality, based on clinical need and not ability to pay".
The NHS Improvement Plan sets out steps to shorten the patient journey from GP referral to treatment, ensuring an average wait of nine to 10 weeks by 2008 and a maximum wait of 18 weeks.
It will also give patients more information about and choice over their treatment. There will be a choice of four to five hospitals for patients needing to be admitted for elective care. By 2008 every patient referred by their GP will be able to choose to be treated at any facility in England that meets NHS standards and can provide care at the NHS price for the procedure they need, the Health Secretary said.
People with long-term conditions like diabetes, asthma and heart failure will get personalised care through plans to provide thousands of community matrons, roll out the Expert Patients Programme and ensure that the new contract for GPs delivers the best care for patients.
The Minister also said that the NHS needs to become more than just a "sickness service". A White Paper in the autumn will set out plans to tackle the major causes of ill health, like smoking, obesity and sexually transmitted infections.
He said the NHS Improvement Plan will "ensure that the greatest gift ever from the people of this country to the people of this country - our NHS - is able to meet the expectations of all our people in the 21st century".
(gmcg)
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26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
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12 November 2004
NHS waiting lists fall to 17-year low
The total number of people on NHS waiting lists has fallen to its lowest level in 17 years, according to statistics published today. The department of health figures revealed that those on waiting lists dropped by 4,500 to 856,600 in September this year.
NHS waiting lists fall to 17-year low
The total number of people on NHS waiting lists has fallen to its lowest level in 17 years, according to statistics published today. The department of health figures revealed that those on waiting lists dropped by 4,500 to 856,600 in September this year.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
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03 June 2011
Healthcare Staff Get Innovative
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01 July 2003
Backlash mounts over government's NHS targets
Following hard on the heels of a damning Panorama report on NHS targets on Sunday, the BMA's chairman has mounted a ferocious assault on the government – claiming that a "creeping, morale-sapping erosion of doctors' clinical autonomy" has been brought about by Whitehall interference.
Backlash mounts over government's NHS targets
Following hard on the heels of a damning Panorama report on NHS targets on Sunday, the BMA's chairman has mounted a ferocious assault on the government – claiming that a "creeping, morale-sapping erosion of doctors' clinical autonomy" has been brought about by Whitehall interference.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
